Robert Alexander Thompson

Robert Thompson of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away April 13, 2023, at Lexington Medical Center, in Lexington, South Carolina, after an 11-year battle with Alzheimer’s. His brave and strong fight against the disease made him an inspiration to many. Robert leaves behind his wife of almost 51 years, Connie Sellers Thompson, his children: Christopher Sellers Thompson (Jennifer) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lindsay Anne Thompson Brebner (Cameron) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and four grandchildren: Ava Thompson, Hannah Thompson, Leroy Thompson, and Sellers Brebner. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam William Lindsay Thompson, and his mother, Anna Elizabeth Baker Thompson. Born in Somerville, Tennessee, Robert attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business, and, more importantly, where he met his wife, Connie, on the first day of classes in 1968. He later received an MBA from the University of Memphis. Robert’s blood ran orange, and he was active in the University of Tennessee Alumni Association, serving as a president and a board member of the Columbia alumni chapter. After retirement, he never missed a Tennessee home football game. A born leader, Robert was the leader for his son’s Cub Scout pack and Boy Scout troop. After his son graduated from high school, Robert continued to work actively with the Boy Scout group at his church, Westminster Presbyterian. He also assisted his wife, Connie, with their daughter’s Girl Scout troop and was happy to serve as a surrogate father for any girl who needed him. When his children were older and involved in the Irmo High School band, he was an avid band dad and attended every football game, marching band competition, and band concert. Robert worked tirelessly with his wife at their church, teaching children’s Sunday School for over 25 years, and working in the church gardens, kitchen, and in various other capacities for as long as his health would allow. The Thompsons touched the lives of many children over the years, and he always loved his church kids. Robert’s gregarious nature helped him to become a successful executive search consultant (headhunter) and later President and Partner of Fortune Personnel Consultants of Columbia. He frequently earned the honor of being the Top Producer in the nationwide system and loved his work with materials management executives from around the country for more than 30 years. After retirement, he and Connie traveled the world, seeing most of Europe, countless states, and even taking an African safari. When they weren’t traveling, Robert and Connie enjoyed working as Ambassadors at the Newberry Opera House and as attendees of the Shepard’s Center of Columbia. As often as possible, Robert would find a train to ride, and he especially enjoyed the excitement of a steam train. More than anything, Robert enjoyed being with and talking about his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were always his first priority, and his devotion to them was obvious to all who met him. Robert aspired to live by his favorite Mark Twain quote. All who loved him surely know he met his goal: “Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.” A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina, 29210, with a reception to follow. A graveside service will be held the following day, Sunday, April 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Covington Memorial Gardens, 1701 Highway 51 South, Covington, Tennessee, 38019. Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.